News & Events

Press Release

Bard Students Present the "Really, Really Free Market" at the College on Sunday, May 11

BARD STUDENTS PRESENT THE “REALLY, REALLY FREE MARKETPLACE” AT THE COLLEGE ON SUNDAY, MAY 11

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—Bard College students are organizing the first “Really, Really Free Market” at the College on Sunday, May 11. The point of the market is to exchange and pass on items that may no longer be of use to you, but may be of value to someone else. The goals are twofold: one, to bring community members together, and two, to help reduce waste. The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is held on the lawn in front of Kline Commons, across Annandale Road from the Chapel of the Holy Innocents. Parking is available in the faculty lot behind the Reem-Kayden Science Building.

“Bring whatever you don’t want and take anything you need,” exclaims coorganizer KellyAnne Mifflin. “Or you can just attend and have a free lunch with us outside. Unlike other exchanges, this is not limited to material possessions, but also includes any skills you’d like to offer: art, performance, or information you’d like to share.”

Some examples of the anticipated items at the “Really, Really Free Market,” are clothes, food, plants, bike repair, seeds, music, old records, furniture, haircuts, house paint, art supplies, refrigerators, massages. Anything left over at the end of the day will be brought to the Free Use Store on campus or donated to an applicable location.

Mifflin explains that the credo of the market is:

Because there is enough for everyone
Because sharing is more fulfilling than owning
Because corporations would rather see landfills overflow than anyone get anything for free
Because scarcity is a myth constructed to keep us at the mercy of the economy
Because a sunny day outside is better than anything money can buy
Because “free trade” is a contradiction of terms
Because no one should have to do without food, shelter, entertainment, and community
Because life should be a picnic, but it only will be if we make it happen

There is no preregistration necessary. Please just attend and bring anything you’d like to share. For additional information, contact KellyAnne Mifflin at 301-518-4405 or e-mail km784@bard.edu.